Bridging Theory and Practice: IBGA Students Analyze Geoeconomics and Tech-Driven Manufacturing at BYD Plant

Supported by the China-Italy Chamber of Commerce of Suzhou, eight students from the International Business and Global Affairs (IBGA) programme embarked on a visit to the BYD car factory in Changzhou.The purpose was to gain firsthand insights into one of China’s leading high-tech industries, advanced manufacturing, and the innovative production processes that are at the forefront of the electric vehicle (EV) industry.

The trip was organized by Dr. Francesco Macheda, programme director of IBGA, supported by Dr. Robert Pauls, Assistant Professor in the Department of International Studies , and coordinated by Dr. Tingting Hu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Media and Communication and Student Development Officer at the School of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Students were guided through the bustling shop floor, witnessing first-hand the complex processes combining labour and automation along the production line. They observed sophisticated assembly lines, automated systems, and quality control measures. Walking through the production process, the students noted how integrated technology and human oversight coalesce to streamline operations and drive efficiency. The detailed walkthrough of each stage—from component assembly to final inspection—offered a rare glimpse into the intricacies of modern manufacturing techniques, encouraging them to think critically about process improvements and innovation in industrial settings.

Students also participated in an introductory background session with talks from industry and government representatives, introducing the audience to the Changzhou High-technology Zone, its role as a major hub for batteries and EV production in China, the role of government industrial policy, and the development of the BYD corporation.

Discussions also turned to the broader geopolitical and geoeconomic context shaping the electric vehicle market, topics central to the IBGA programme. The students learned that the rapid expansion of the EV sector is not only transforming industries but also intensifying global competition. Trade tensions, differing environmental regulations, and the race for technological supremacy have created a complex landscape where national interests and international alliances frequently intersect. This geopolitical climate, coupled with economic pressures from both established and emerging markets, means that companies like BYD operate in an environment where industrial strategies are influenced as much by diplomacy and trade policies as by business acumen.

Overall, the site visit provided a well-rounded educational experience. It blended a close-up look at production intricacies with a macro-level understanding of the geopolitical challenges in the electric vehicle industry, equipping students with valuable insights for their future roles in international business.